About the Author

Alan Rider

Articles by Alan Rider

Test drive: Nissan Altima

Middle of the Road – Nissan Altima/Mazda6

New midsize sedans offer more options, safety features and comfort.

Test drive: Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen

A Place for Your Stuff – Volkswagen Golf SportWagen/Mazda3 Hatchback

Whether it’s moving boxes or a run to the store, you’ll eventually need a vehicle that can haul your stuff. Here are two appealing candidates.

Getting It To Go: Kia Soul

Getting It to Go – Kia Soul/Jeep Gladiator

These two models are designed to let you take people – and cargo – along for the ride.

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Smooth Operators – Genesis G90/Lincoln Continental

Across town or cross-country, driving a sophisticated automobile will make the trip significantly more enjoyable. These are two smooth sedans.

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Keep on Truckin’ – Ram 1500/Honda Ridgeline

Large and in charge. That’s how you’ll feel behind the wheel of the all-new Ram 1500 pickup. There’s just no other way to say it: This full-size truck is big, both physically and in terms of its capability. On that last point, it can tote more than a ton of cargo (2,300 pounds, to beRead More

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A Tale of Two SUVs – Jeep Wrangler/Volkswagen Atlas

A poseur. That’s what virtually every other SUV on the market looks like compared to the Jeep Wrangler. While plenty of competitors put out a rugged vibe, the all-new Wrangler is the real deal. Simply put, it is designed and built to go places that would stop those wannabes in their tire tracks. This impressiveRead More

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Is ‘Sporty SUV’ an Oxymoron? – Jaguar I-Pace/BMW X4

Sport-utility vehicles used to project a rugged vibe. Now, new models that put the ‘sport’ in ‘sport-utility’ have become a thing.

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Hello, I Must Be Going – Volkswagen Beetle/Ford Fusion Hybrid

There was a time when the Volkswagen Beetle was the ride of choice for the cool kids. Well, with VW’s latest Beetle, it seems that time has come again. Or come and very nearly gone, as Volkswagen has announced plans to kill off its most iconic nameplate, which is a shame not only for nostalgicRead More

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Practical-y Perfect – Hyundai Kona/Honda Fit

While many daydream about driving a sports car, reality eventually calls. Two remarkably sensible new models meld sport and style.

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Pavement, Shmavement – Jeep Compass/Volvo V90 Cross Country

Like the Mach 5 in its day, crossovers have developed a legion of dedicated fans. But I predict the Jeep Compass will be sought-after for more than just its body style. Take the midrange Trailhawk model I drove. Simply put, it is the only affordable compact SUV I can think of that will take youRead More